left to defend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left to defend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is remaining to protect or argue for something, often in a legal or competitive situation. Example: "With the main attorney unavailable, she was left to defend the case on her own."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Most of the hill's defenders, the Union XII Corps, had been sent to the left to defend against Longstreet's attacks, and the only portion of the corps remaining on the hill was a brigade of New Yorkers under Brig.

Wikipedia

Collectively, there is just no one left to defend him.

The New York Times

Kitty was left to defend herself against terrorists.

The New York Times

Aging boomers need AARP; there is no one with clout left to defend them.

The New York Times

But private companies are largely left to defend themselves on their own.

The New Yorker

Isn't she the only mighty politician left to defend the EU and its liberal values?

The Guardian - Opinion

The Serb pounced, ripping a backhand cross court that sent Tsonga sprinting to his left to defend.

The New York Times

Instead, non-government bodies like the Human Rights Commission and parliament are left to defend our liberty.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet once it was done, Bishop had nothing left to defend against her loss, no way of maintaining that distance.

The New Yorker

With few computer points left to defend for the rest of the season, he will most likely end up back in the top 10.

The New York Times

"There will be nothing left to defend if we lose," said Leena Menghaney, a manager based in New Delhi for Doctors Without Borders, which advocates for generic drugs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "left to defend", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what was previously present or available for defense but is no longer so, creating a sense of abandonment or sole responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "left to defend" when the subject was always solely responsible; the phrase implies a change in circumstances that led to the current defensive position.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left to defend" typically functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of abandonment or isolation concerning defensive actions. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It highlights the subject's responsibility for protection after others have departed or become unable to assist.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

19%

Huffington Post

4%

Less common in

The Guardian

4%

The New York Times

3%

Independent

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "left to defend" is a commonly used verb phrase that indicates a state of abandonment and sole responsibility for protective actions. Ludwig AI validates that it's correct and usable in English. It often appears in news and media contexts, conveying vulnerability and the necessity for self-reliance. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly shows that someone or something was previously available for defense but is no longer, emphasizing the shift to sole responsibility. The phrase carries a generally neutral tone, suitable for various types of writing. Related phrases, such as "remained to protect" and "tasked with safeguarding", can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained to protect

Focuses on the action of protecting after others have departed or are unable to continue.

tasked with safeguarding

Emphasizes the assignment of a duty to ensure safety or security.

charged with the defense of

Highlights the formal responsibility for defending a person, place, or idea.

given the responsibility to shield

Stresses the act of providing shelter or protection from harm.

entrusted to uphold

Implies a level of trust and duty in maintaining a principle or value.

depended on to guard

Highlights the reliance on someone to maintain vigilance and security.

obligated to preserve

Focuses on the duty to maintain something in its original state.

stuck with defending

Suggests a situation where someone is unwillingly or unexpectedly in a position of defense.

found themselves defending

Indicates an unexpected or unplanned need to provide defense.

only one defending

Emphasizes the solitude and singularity of the defensive position.

FAQs

How can I use "left to defend" in a sentence?

You can use "left to defend" to describe a situation where someone or something is abandoned or alone in protecting a position, idea, or object. For example, "After the company's bankruptcy, the former employees were "left to defend" their reputations".

What are some alternatives to "left to defend"?

Alternatives include phrases like "remained to protect", "tasked with safeguarding", or "charged with the defense of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "tasked with defending" rather than "left to defend"?

Yes, "tasked with defending" often carries a more formal tone, implying a formal assignment of responsibility, while "left to defend" can suggest a situation of abandonment or lack of support.

What does it mean when someone is "left to defend" themselves?

It means that they have been abandoned or are without support in protecting themselves, their reputation, or their interests. It suggests they are in a vulnerable position and must rely solely on their own resources.